Cool Hand Luke: Beer Or Not?

Cool Hand Luke is a movie starring Paul Newman as the titular character, Luke, a non-conformist and a rebel. The movie sees Luke serving prison time for drunkenly cutting off the heads of parking meters on Main Street. While the movie does involve drinking, it is not specified whether the drinks are beer or some other alcoholic beverage. However, Cool Hand Luke's Bar & Saloon offers a range of cocktails, including a Jack Daniel's Whiskey Smash and a Sagebrush Mojito.

Paul Newman's performance as Luke

Paul Newman's performance as Lucas "Luke" Jackson in the 1967 film "Cool Hand Luke" is considered one of his most iconic and indelible roles. The film is an American prison drama directed by Stuart Rosenberg and based on Donn Pearce's 1965 novel of the same name.

Newman's portrayal of Luke, a decorated war veteran who ends up in a Florida prison, is characterised by his quiet confidence and defiance of authority. Even in his first appearance in the film, where he drunkenly pulls parking meters off their poles, Newman infuses the character with a sense of nonconformity and a wicked enjoyment of subverting the rules. This is further emphasised by his hearty laughter as the police arrive to arrest him.

Newman's physical presence and understated acting style draw the audience and his fellow prisoners in. Despite being quiet and unassuming, Luke exudes assuredness through his actions. He wins over the gang with his quiet confidence, whether it is winning a hand of poker with nothing or famously asserting that he can eat 50 eggs in one sitting. This earns him the nickname 'Cool Hand' and the respect and admiration of his fellow inmates.

Newman's performance also captures Luke's uncrushable spirit and quiet charisma. He motivates the gang to work faster and faces his unjust punishments with bravery. When placed into 'the box', a small shed with barely any room to move, he dons a white robe and faces his punishment calmly. His repeated attempts to escape are celebrated by the other prisoners, who see him as a symbol of freedom and hope.

Luke has often been likened to the figure of Christ, and this religious symbolism is intentionally woven into the screenplay by Frank Pierson. Like Christ, Luke is not the biggest or the strongest, but he leads through his actions and becomes a source of inspiration and guidance for his fellow prisoners. However, when Luke is brutally punished and broken by the guards, the other inmates begin to lose faith in him.

Newman's performance in "Cool Hand Luke" is also remembered for his unmistakable smile, which critic Roger Ebert described as "a look of rebellion, of defiance, and of the wicked enjoyment of subverting the rules". This smile, featured prominently in the film's closing montage, became an emotional climax that resonated with audiences.

Overall, Paul Newman's performance as Luke is a nuanced and masterful portrayal of a complex character. Through his physical presence, understated acting, and rebellious spirit, Newman brings Luke to life and makes the film enduringly memorable.

The film's supporting cast

The supporting cast of "Cool Hand Luke" is made up of a talented group of actors who bring depth and versatility to the film. The cast includes George Kennedy as Clarence "Dragline" Slidell, who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his powerful portrayal of Luke's opponent and eventual comrade.

Strother Martin plays the stern and cruel prison warden, The Captain, whose memorable line, "What we've got here is a failure to communicate," is ranked #11 on the American Film Institute's list of 100 Movie Quotes. Jo Van Fleet portrays Arletta Jackson, Luke's sick and dying mother, a role originally intended for Bette Davis. Morgan Woodward takes on the role of Walking Boss/Godfrey, a quiet rifleman and prison officer known as "the man with no eyes" due to his constant mirrored sunglasses.

Other notable cast members include Joy Harmon as "Lucille," whose scene washing her car in front of the prisoners leaves a lasting impact; Luke Askew as Boss Paul; Robert Donner as Boss "Shorty"; Clifton James as Carr, The Floor Walker; and John McLiam as Boss Kean. The film also marks the feature debut of several actors, including Ralph Waite, Joe Don Baker, James Gammon, and Anthony Zerbe.

The ensemble cast of "Cool Hand Luke" delivers compelling performances that contribute to the film's critical acclaim and enduring legacy.

The film's cinematography

The cinematography in Cool Hand Luke is stunning. The harsh conditions of the chain gang are vividly portrayed, with sweaty, dirty, and exhausted prisoners. The film's director, Stuart Rosenberg, flawlessly captures the gritty reality of the prison system, with the camera acting as a window into the harsh world of the inmates. The audience is given a front-row seat to the relentless struggle of the prisoners, with the camera focusing on the physicality of the actors and their surroundings. The cinematography is key to understanding the character of Luke, played by Paul Newman, and his journey from rebellious inmate to a broken man. The camera captures the relentless nature of the chain gang, with the prisoners' exhaustion and desperation conveyed through their physical performance and the harsh lighting and dusty locations.

The film's aesthetic is defined by its use of natural light and realistic locations, with the chain gang working under the relentless sun, and the camera captures the harsh glare of the sun on the prisoners, emphasising their toil. The camera also lingers on the prisoners' dirty and torn clothing, highlighting their dehumanisation and the brutal nature of the chain gang. The cinematography is also notable for its use of wide shots, capturing the vastness of the landscapes in which the prisoners work, emphasising their smallness and insignificance in the face of their surroundings.

The film's most iconic scene, the egg-eating contest, is a showcase of the film's cinematography. The camera captures the intensity of the moment, with close-ups of Luke's face conveying his determination and the other prisoners' reactions, from encouragement to concern. The scene is also notable for its use of sound, with the silence of the onlookers adding to the tension, and the sound of Luke chewing and swallowing the eggs becoming increasingly difficult.

Overall, the cinematography in Cool Hand Luke is a key element of the film's success, with the camera acting as a powerful tool to convey the harsh realities of the chain gang and the complex character of Luke. The film's aesthetic and visual storytelling enhance the powerful performances and contribute to the enduring legacy of this classic film.

The film's directing

The famous "I can eat 50 eggs" scene, the poker game, and the boxing match with Dragline (George Kennedy) are all testaments to the directing that established Luke as the de facto leader and hero of the gang of 50 prisoners. The directing of these scenes captures the inmates' and prison bosses' reactions to Luke, showcasing his charisma and leadership qualities.

The film's soundtrack

The soundtrack has been praised for its fusion of disparate genres, including bluegrass, symphonic, and rhythmic jazz, creating a dynamic and energetic listening experience. One of the most recognisable pieces from the soundtrack is the "Tar Sequence", which has been used for many years as news music on television stations around the world. The "Tar Sequence" has been described as "highly energetic" and Copeland-esque.

The Cool Hand Luke score was nominated for an Academy Award. Schifrin's music has been described as "polished" and "sophisticated", adding to the balance of drama and humour in the film. The soundtrack has become iconic and is considered a key element in the film's success.

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